USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter as audio input?

I have an apple usb-c to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter I would like to use to input a TRS lavalier microphone into GarageBand. I'm using a 2020 M1 MacBook Air with 12.0.1 Monterey. GarageBand, System Preferences and third party software only allows me to use the adapter as an output. Is it possible to use it as an input? I have tried updating and restarting the software, plugging and unplugging the adapter, restarting in safe mode. Thanks

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Mar 9, 2023 10:37 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 9, 2023 11:07 AM

Looks like that adapter is headphone or speaker output only.

see > Buy USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter - Apple


Some third party adapters have both output and mono or stereo input.

https://www.amazon.com/CableCreation-External-Headphone-Microphone-Compatible/dp/B075YFDJ4Q/ref=sr_1_4?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPLDJ18/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?


If you are serious about capturing stereo input to GarageBand or other audio software, then you need a USB-C to DAC.

https://www.imore.com/best-dacs-your-mac

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 9, 2023 11:07 AM in response to ag137

Looks like that adapter is headphone or speaker output only.

see > Buy USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter - Apple


Some third party adapters have both output and mono or stereo input.

https://www.amazon.com/CableCreation-External-Headphone-Microphone-Compatible/dp/B075YFDJ4Q/ref=sr_1_4?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPLDJ18/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?


If you are serious about capturing stereo input to GarageBand or other audio software, then you need a USB-C to DAC.

https://www.imore.com/best-dacs-your-mac

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter as audio input?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.